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Wayne's World


Reviewed by: Justin Sallows
Genre: Comedy
Video: Anamorphic 1:85:1 Widescreen
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Surround
Language: English, French
Subtitle: English
Length: 1 hrs 34 mins
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: July 10th, 2001
Studio: Paramount
Commentary: 1: Director Penelope Spheeris
Documentaries: 1: "Extreme Close-up" ( 23 min.)
Featurettes: None
Filmography/Biography: None
Interviews: None
Trailers/TV Spots: 1 Trailer
Alternate/Deleted Scenes: None
Music Video: None
Other: Clips from "The Brady Bunch", "Solid Gold Workout" and "Sunburn".
Cast and Crew: Mike Meyers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Ed O'Niel
Screenplay by: Written by: Mike Meyers
Produced by: Lorne Michaels
Directed By: Penelope Spheeris
Music: J. Peter Robinson
The Review: Director Penelope Spheers had previously directed "The Decline of Western Civilization Part 2: The Metal Years", so she had already cut her teeth on "metal" movies. She actually declined directing "Spinal Tap" because she thought it would be making fun of metal. "Wayne's World" is probably only a stone's throw away from that type of humor, but it seems more innocent. Wayne and his sidekick Garth make a cable access show from their basement called (drum roll please) Wayne's World. In it they interview locals, play with in camera effects and generally act goofy. Producer Rob Lowe happens upon the show one night and signs the boys to a contract in which they are forced to promote an arcade chain. Feeling slighted, Wayne makes they most of it by humiliating the sponsor on the show. He gets fired, splits with his friend and accuses his girlfriend of cheating on him with Lowe. He must come up with a plan to make it all right again. Along the way he meets Alice Cooper (who isn't quite what he thought), buys his dream guitar, and visits Tia Carrere on a jungle set wrapped in a python while she shoots her music video. Sight and word gags abound, such as "A sphincter says what?", and espousing the horrors of sponsorship while donned head to foot in Reebok sportswear. Wayne's World works on a very base level, but it works. Such films as "Scary Movie" and "Tomcats" would do well to pay attention to the innocence portrayed by the hapless leads, and line that is not crossed. The only remotely sexual remark comes from Garth reminiscing about the rope in gym class. This is probably the best SNL to film translation. Characters and situations are expanded without losing the vital qualities that made them work so well in skit format. Mike and Dana both show their talent for characterization. Although Mike seems to force it a little in the bedroom scene, overall I was convinced of his motivations. The best part of the film is the multiple endings. Very inventive and original. I won't spoil anything by describing them but rest assured you will be smiling when the credits roll.
Image and Sound Paramount is a leader in quality transfers and Wayne's World is no exception. The quality of this presentation is excellent. Colors are always accurate and blacks are well represented. Scenes are always well lit, but even the dark club sequence never loses cohesion. No compression artifacts are visible and grain is at a minimum. The sound is not stellar, in fact there are no split-surround effects. I don't think a film like this would really benefit from them anyway. There are no action sequences or special effects that would necessitate 5.1. I didn't listen to the stereo surround track but I'm sure it would be difficult to differentiate the two. The sound field is expanded however, particularly in the club sequence and "Bohemian Rhapsody".
The Extras I like the menus, which are a reproduction of TV listings on cable access channels. Among the optional "programs" you can check out are clips from "The Brady Bunch" (Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!), "Solid Gold Workout" (just what it sounds like), and the Charles Grodin film "Sunburn". These last only a minute or so, but are interesting additions, if only because they have nothing to do with the film. Aside from the sole trailer, the only other extra is the 23 minute documentary on the making of the film. Mostly talking heads, I would have liked a bit of behind the scenes shooting, but as it is it's an acceptable look into the formation of the film. Interview clips with Lorne Michaels, Penelope Spheeris, Mike Meyers, Dana Carvey and Rob Lowe fill out most of the running time, with the rest clips from the film.
Commentary Penelope pats herself on the back a bit on this track. It's ok, she made a comedy that was ultimately quite successful. She does not place herself above noting everything in the film that was her idea, and even trounces SNL a bit often referring to it as a "boy's club". In the beginning of the track she seems to be bashing metal fans, but then she seems to lighten up a bit and relay her affection for the genre. Not a technical commentary, but aimed more at writing, she tells how the script evolved once they were on set. Certain ideas were risky it seems, and there was much talk about how much Dana could thrust his hips in the dream sequence, or if he should really hurt the big guy in the bar. She talks about location shooting and getting rights for product placements. An apt commentary if a little dry.
Final Words: Don't go into Wayne's World expecting anything more than a good time and you'll find one. I think this is Mike Meyer's finest film. Although reminiscent of "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure", this is much more real. The characters show some depth, and we can probably identify with most of them. All the yuks didn't work for me, but enough of them did to recommend the film. The transfer is excellent, you really couldn't ask for a better reproduction of this movie. Although it's not reference quality audio, it works fine for the film. The features were ok. I feel like I know a little more about WW's production, and I guess that's what counts. I personally am glad I just rented it, but others will be proud to display it in their collection.


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 July 17, 2001